500 Days Of Film Reviews Star Wars: A New Hope And Finds A True Sci Fi Classic
A young man, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), finds a recorded message from Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) asking for help to save the galaxy from the clutches of the evil Empire and its soon to be completed world destroying battle station.
He feels compelled to help and, together with a crew of unlikely allies, sets out to find Leia and join her in the fight against the dark side.
Little does Luke know that the quest will change his life forever - and that deep family secrets will be revealed.
Is It Any Good?
There are two reasons why I have included Star Wars: A New Hope in my 500 Days Of Film challenge.
Firstly, this is one of the first films that I remember seeing at the cinema (despite my first actual trip being to see Bambi - leading me to ask rather loudly "Where did Bambi's Mummy go?").
It is also the first 'event' movie that I remember watching. It comes from a time in my life when a cinema trip would comprise my dad driving us up to a "decent" cinema in London. How lucky was I?
Secondly, the next instalment of this phenomenal franchise is due in December (directed by J J Abrams) and, after the last three films were so dismal, I thought it was time to remind myself what I loved about Star Wars in the first place.
Star Wars: A New Hope is actually quite a simple film with a predictable plot and ending. However, it introduces a cast of fabulous characters and a world that children (and adults) across the world can make their own.
I sat down to watch this film with my nine year old daughter who had watched but never really paid much attention to the story on past viewings.
Watching it again, I was aware of the film's age and slight cheesiness.
However, when I looked over at her, I realised that she saw none of these things and that she had become swept up in the characters and their adventure.
She now loves Princess Leia and I can see why - she is such a great character: independent, powerful and capable.
All in all, we had a great time watching Star Wars. I now can't wait to show her The Emperor Strikes Back - that's always been my favourite.
Random Observations
I may be completely off base, but I feel that the Star Wars franchise is in safe hands with director J J Abrams.
I so love his Spielberg- esque Super 8 and really enjoyed his recent Star Trek movies. I guess time will tell - won't it be just brilliant though to see the original characters back on screen ( note I didn't say old!).
Do you love Star Wars: A New Hope? Or do you think the movie is overhyped and overvalued? I'd love to know! Do leave me your thoughts in the comments section below.